Tips and tricks: Supraglottic airway device insertion using a tongue depressor

Hyunyoung Lim, Mi Ae Jeong

Eur J Anaesthesiol 2020 Feb;37(2):154-155

Supraglottic airway devices (SADs) have been widely used in general anaesthesia or in difficult tracheal intubation states, but sometimes incomplete insertion still occurs. The authors would like to introduce an

easier method to insert SADs using the tongue depressor used for operations in the mouth. After induction of anaesthesia, press the patient’s forehead with the right hand to create neck extension. Then insert the tongue depressor along the tongue with the left hand and lift it upward and forward as in laryngoscope insertion. Then insert the SAD towards the hard palate with the right hand. At the point where resistance occurs during insertion, remove the tongue depressor while pushing the SAD a little more. It can be inserted smoothly.